Abstract

Recently we investigated several innovative approaches for electrical excitation of a TEA CO₂ laser^1-5 in order to overcome the limitations of existing discharge and switching technology and to provide an overall improvement in the laser performance. In particular, the magneticspiker sustainer excitation circuit has proved to be a power approach for efficient excitation of large volume pulsed CO₂ lasers. This has provided high efficiency (15%) variable flat top long duration laser pulses (1–5µs), helium-free operation, and elimination of plasma switch (thyratron/spark gap) from the main discharge path, leading to the development of laser systems with a long operational lifetime and high reliability.

© 1994 IEEE